Made in Yaroslavl

"This fine comic novel is set in the Soviet Union circa 1983, and follows two shameless fraudsters – very much forerunners of the present day Russian gangsters who are all the rage these days – as they search high and low throughout the Soviet Union in search of the essential ingredients that are needed to make up the renowned Yaroslavl pickled cucumber. Yes, pickled cucumber. And they only have a very short time to convert a factory from making knitted jumpers to producing pickled cucumbers before it is inspected by the Ministry. The novel shows how, under a repressive system of government, it is very hard for the average person to remain honest. It is even harder for our heroes, who must face down the triple threat of jealous rivals, the mysterious Guild Of Master Picklers and the humble pickle worm. Throughout these escapades, they keep up their spirits by inventing new ways to insult the intelligence of each other and of anyone else who will listen. A lovely satire then and a romp to the heart of the Soviet empire."
GM in Crack Magazine

Full of zany, Eastern European humour and fatalism. Essential reading for gherkin lovers everywhere...